There are a number of reasons for starting your own business. From defining what your workday looks like to spending time bringing your ideas to life, running your own business can be incredibly satisfying and rewarding. And many entrepreneurs we speak to tell us that they value the freedom that comes with it.
But along with the stress and hard work of being your own boss, that freedom has to be earned. Long days can very quickly turn into even longer nights, and it can become difficult to switch off when the buck stops with you and you alone.
So, what can you do to ensure your business delivers a better work/life balance? Well, for starters…
Remember Who is in Charge
Naturally, being the boss comes with certain responsibilities, but you’re also in a position to affect change. If your business isn’t delivering the lifestyle, income, or satisfaction that you had initially thought it could, then you don’t need to let that go unchecked.
That’s the beauty of not working for someone else; you have the opportunity to improve your own situation without first asking for permission.
Working long hours? Feeling stressed? Then make a change. Introduce new workflows and processes, seek advice from your business advisor, or outsource the day-to-day tasks that are taking up too much time.
Next, Assess Your Goals and Objectives
The first step in solving any problem is recognizing that there is one. So, if your work/life balance is wildly out of sync, it’s a good idea to take a step back and assess your goals and objectives.
First, ask yourself: Why did you start this business?
- Was it to earn enough to enjoy the freedom owning a business can bring?
- Was it to grow it quickly and sell it to see a return on your investment?
- Or was it to build something that would provide a financially secure future for you and your family?
Chances are you’ll have been motivated by one of these objectives. By drilling down and remembering why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place, you can refocus and begin fixing the elements of your business that aren’t contributing to your end goal.
For example, if you’re always checking in on your team, you might need to stop micromanaging and leave them to get on with it. Or if there aren’t enough hours in the day to complete all your tasks, perhaps you need to learn how to delegate better.
You need to identify the obstacles your business is putting up in your pursuit of a better work/life balance and recognize that you have the power to do something about them.
Only then will you see the true freedom that comes with being your own boss.
Need Some Help?
If you’d like some help on getting your business to deliver a better lifestyle, contact us today to speak with one of our amazing team members.
